Ex-Barclays CEO charged with fraud over Qatar funding

Britain's Serious Fraud Office said Tuesday it had charged Barclays bank and four former managers, including a chief executive, with "conspiracy to commit fraud" linked to emergency fundraising from Qatar during the financial crisis.

"The Serious Fraud Office has today charged Barclays Plc and four individuals with conspiracy to commit fraud and the provision of unlawful financial assistance" linked to capital raising from Qatar in 2008 worth billions of pounds (euros/dollars).

The SFO added in a statement that former chief executive John Varley was one of those to face court following a five-year investigation.

"The charges relate to Barclays Plc's capital raising arrangements with Qatar Holding LLC and Challenger Universal Ltd, which took place in June and October 2008," the SFO said.

It added that they relate also to a $3-billion loan facility made available to the State of Qatar acting through the country's Ministry of Economy and Finance in November 2008.